I once met a businessman who gave me some very sage advice. He told me that to be successful, you have to have goals and you must be very focused on those goals. He said that you must walk the path to your goals at all times; but, you must beware of shiny things along the way. Shiny things are those things that distract us from our true focus. Shiny things take our eyes off the mark. For example, a person wanting to be out of debt doesn’t need to take on more debt to buy a new boat. A new boat is definitely a shiny thing.

You know, our walk with the Lord is filled with shiny things that take our eyes off of Jesus. The Bible clearly states we are to become more like Christ in our daily walk. Along our Christian walk, there are numerous temptations (shiny things) along the way to detract us from becoming more like Christ.

James 1:14 (NASB) “14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” So, we are tempted by our own desires.

The Bible also states in 2 Cor. 11:14 (NASB), “14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” We are also tempted by the Devil himself. The name Lucifer actually translates out as a “light-bearer,” or “shiny one.” As you can see, we are tempted from every angle to take our eyes off of Jesus.

However, God in His Sovereignty wants us to keep our eyes upon Jesus. 1 John 2:6 (NASB) says “6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) says, “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

And finally, in Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB) Jesus states, “13 Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

We must strive daily, hour by hour and minute by minute, to keep our eyes fixed upon the One who saved us. We must be aware at all times of our path and not be distracted by “shiny things.” As a matter of fact, Jesus even says in Revelations 22:16, 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things [a]for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Jesus is the only way. We should be focused on Him. I pray that you are walking with Jesus.